Prevalence and risk factors for latex allergy: a cross sectional study on health-care workers of an Italian hospital.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and risk factors for latex hypersensitivity among health care workers (HCW) of an Italian general hospital. METHODS 1747 HCW of the Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding latex-related manifestations (LRM) and personal medical history, and latex-specific IgE were measured by RAST-Cap system. RESULTS 672 out of 1747 HCW (38.4%) answered to the questionnaire. LRM were reported by 168 out of 672 HCW (25%). The most common manifestation was hand dermatitis and itching (86.3%), followed by urticaria (3.5%) and respiratory symptoms (2.9%). Among the HCW with LRM, 75 (44.6%) reported a personal history of atopy and 24 (14.3%) reported oral allergy syndrome. most commonly related to kiwi, tomato, peach and melon/watermelon. Latex-specific IgE were found in 62 out of 1747 HCW (3.6%). Among the subjects answering the questionnaire, latex-specific IgE positivity was associated with occurrence of LRM (most commonly allergic contact dermatitis) and a longer professional exposure. The risk of latex IgE sensitisation was four times higher in HCW reporting atopic manifestations than in HCW without atopic disorders. Prevalence of LRM and latex-specific IgE was significantly higher among workers of auxiliary staff than among other job categories. The highest latex-specific IgE levels were found in subjects with severe latex-related symptoms and a personal history of atopy. CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of LRM was found among the HCW of an Italian general hospital, although a true latex sensitisation was detected only in a minority of cases. Members of the auxiliary staff, who wear latex gloves for several hours a day, had an increased prevalence of LRM and latex sensitisation. Atopy was a major risk factor for LRM and latex-specific IgE response.